• Honda retired the capital B in the name as a mark of
respect for Baba leaving the project. He was presented with a piston from
every model on a plaque as a retirement gift.
• The 2003 Blade was the last model to come with a hinged pillion seat.

The FireBlade is arguably the
first modern Superbike for the road. First launched in 1992, it soon became
clear that the 'Blade was massively ahead of its competition in the
litre-class sportsbike market. With a dry weight 24kg (531b) lighter than
its closest competitor, Yamaha's FZR1000 EXUP, the 185kg (4071b) CBR was the
first bike designed to give control through lighter weight rather than brute
power, and was extremely successful. The first-generation motor was an 893cc
item, producing 91kW (122bhp), and the original FireBlade wore a
then-unfashionable 40cm (16in) front wheel.

The FireBlade went through five
generation changes before the CBR954RR version pictured here. The latest
954cc big-bore motor has gained Honda's PGM-FI fuel-injection system as well
as a high-tech titanium exhaust valve, designed to improve mid-range torque
by varying the characteristics of the exhaust system. The 40cm (16in) front
wheel has gone, replaced by a 43cm (17in) item, and the front forks are an
upside-down design, for reduced unsprung weight and improved stiffness. The
rear swingarm is a 'works'-fabricated aluminium design, which is massively
stiff.

What isn't so obvious is the
weight loss. Despite producing 113kW (151bhp) at the crankshaft, the 2002
FireBlade weighs in at just 168kg (3701b) - lighter than most 600cc
sportsbikes, including Honda's own CBR600F. It is also extremely compact,
making it feel incredibly manageable and user-friendly both on the road and
during track riding.

The market has moved on since
1992, and first Yamaha's Rl in 1998 then Suzuki's GSX-R1000 in 2001 have
raised the stakes in the litre-class. The FireBlade has less power than both
these bikes, but is lighter, giving it an edge in track handling, and has a
strong blend of roadbike usability, excellent build quality and refined
design.

However, it is not just in terms
of performance hardware that the latest FireBlade excels. The tail lights
use high-technology LEDs instead of conventional bulbs, and the
all-electronic dash includes a fuel consumption meter, a tachometer,
speedometer and clock.

New for 2002

The CBR954RR produces 154 horsepower at 11,250 rpm and 74.6 lb./ft. of
torque at 9,000 rpm with a 12,150-rpm rev limiter.

954cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine features a 1.0mm bore
increase to 75mm and an increase in compression ratio to 11.5:1 for stronger
low-end and mid-range engine response.

Crankshaft and engine cases are refined with the assistance of
computer-aided design (CAD) to minimize friction and reduce weight nearly
170 grams (6 ounces) for optimum performance and long engine life.

Each forged piston is lightened 6 percent and weighs only 170 grams (6
ounces). Additional weight is pared from the four piston pins, further
reducing total reciprocating weight to permit faster engine-revving,
decrease unpleasant vibration and minimize engine stress associated with the
increased displacement.

An oil spray is directed toward the undersides of the pistons to ensure
the bigger and lighter pistons remain cool, enhancing power and contributing
to long engine life.

Single exhaust valve springs replace double springs to reduce friction,
reduce unsprung valve train weight by a total of 71 grams (2.5 ounces) and
permit the engine to rev more quickly.
·

Fuel injector throttle bodies are increased in diameter from 40mm to 42mm.
Each new electronic fuel injector has 12 laser-drilled jet holes for finer
fuel atomization, resulting in smoother, more responsive throttle
performance and faster, more efficient combustion for stronger power output.

New lightweight wheels feature more compact hubs and narrower
hollow-section spokes, trimming off nearly 170 grams (6 ounces) of unsprung
weight from each wheel for even better handling.

All-new distinctive bodywork features a lower, more sharply angled and
aggressively designed front cowl and a lighter, slimmer seat cowl. A new
hugger rear fender closely follows the curve of the rear tire.

A new, narrow-eye multi-reflector headlight has a single, central H7
low/high beam surrounded by two additional H7 high beams to brilliantly
illuminate the night roadway.

Upper fuel tank dimensions are reduced 10mm in height and length to move
the rider closer to the steering head for more responsive control and
greater rider maneuverability. The upper fuel tank profile flows smoothly
into the seat for a clean and integrated look while the fuel tank is
expanded downward between the frame rails to maintain effective volume and
contribute to mass centralization.

New aluminum footpeg brackets are stronger and nearly 56 grams (2 ounces)
lighter than the steel pieces they replace.

LED-type taillight provides brilliant illumination and exceptionally long
life.

Exciting 2002 colors are Red/Black and Silver/Black.

Engine/Drivetrain
Sixteen-valve cylinder head features 29mm intake and 24mm exhaust valves
with an 11.5:1 compression ratio for efficient combustion and high
horsepower.

High-pressure programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) delivers fuel at 50 psi
to the four injectors mounted in each 42mm throttle body. Fuel is delivered
through 12 laser-drilled nozzle holes in each injector, producing a very
fine spray and a highly combustible air/fuel charge for maximum combustion
efficiency and power.

Auto-enriching system is integrated into PGM-FI module, eliminating the
need for a manual choke.

Forged aluminum pistons are screen-printed with LUB-Coat finish to
minimize friction between the piston and cylinder.

Four transistorized direct-ignition coils integrate the spark plug cap and
high-tension lead to produce a high-voltage, long-duration spark for maximum
performance and superb throttle response.

Honda's Variable Intake/Exhaust Management System (HVIX(tm)) manages the
intake and exhaust charges. An intake valve in the 10-litre airbox maintains
a constant-velocity, variable-volume flow of cool, fresh air to the PGM-FI
system.

The unique Honda Titanium Exhaust Valve (HTEV(tm)) located in the exhaust
collector provides the scavenging and power benefits of a 180 degree exhaust
collector design between idle and 3000 rpm, and transitions exhaust flow to
a 360 degree collector design from 3000-7000 rpm, then combines 180 degree
and 360-degree configurations at engine speeds above 7000 rpm to maintain
maximum power output.

A cast aluminum bracket reaches underneath the swingarm and attaches to
the swingarm pivots, forming a D-shape swingarm mounting enclosure that
increases the rigidity of the swingarm-to-engine mounting.

Unique bank-angle sensor shuts off fuel supply to PGM-FI system if the
motorcycle tips over, but is unaffected by bumps and vibration in normal
operation.

High-capacity, 475-watt AC generator.

High-tech instrument display includes black-face electronic tachometer,
LCD readouts for speedometer, coolant temperature, odometer, two tripmeters
and a clock. A low-fuel LED light is located in the tachometer.

Lightweight front brake lever has a compact adjuster and incorporates the
return spring in the master cylinder.

Key-lockable 6-liter rear cowl storage box is designed to hold most
commonly available U-type and cable locking devices. (Lock not included.)